Taiwan hit by powerful earthquake, China offers help

An earthquake in southern Taiwan early on Saturday morning damaged several buildings, causing the collapse of at least one and leaving at least five people dead, Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the island's disaster response authorities as saying.

The earthquake hit Kaohsiung of Taiwan at a depth of 15 km at 3:57 a.m. Beijing Time on Saturday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Center, which said the quake had a magnitude of 6.7.

The epicenter was monitored at 22.94 degrees north latitude and 120.54 degrees east longitude.

Local media reports said the earthquake has trapped hundreds of residents.

China has offered to help Taiwan following the quake.

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office said the the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) had been in contact with Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) since 6 a.m., around two hours after the quake. The ARATS has sent a letter to the SEF offering rescue assistance if needed.

Ma also expressed concern and condolences for the victims.